Did anybody else notice that those security uncles checking random bags at MRT stations are getting more aggressive and ridiculous in their choice of “to be screened” items? I mean how am I supposed to hide a Bazooka in my small briefcase and what would I do with it at Kallang in the first place? Anyway, its all in preparation for the upcoming visit of Mr. President Obama to Singapore I assume. Safety first.
Meet the president and find out everything about Obama's visit to Singapore!
Why Is Obama Coming To Singapore?
US President Barack Obama is stopping over on the little red dot to attend the 17th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation leaders meeting (APEC) in Singapore and take the chance to promote open trade and investment, support economic recovery and sustainable development while addressing key challenges facing the region and the world.
At APEC, Mr Obama will hold what the White House billed as the first formal talks between a US leader and all 10 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) leaders – which could include a rare encounter with Burma’s military rulers.
- APEC 2009
- Webpage: All Details And Information To The APEC Meeting 2009 In Singapore
When Is Obama Arriving In Singapore?
UPDATE: Due to the terrible killings in Texas Fort Hood shooting, Obama will attend the memorial service first and arrive in Singapore only by late evening on Saturday earliest.
President Obama will hold his Keynote Address on the 14th of November, Saturday, at 10AM in the morning. This means he will most probably arrive with his nice own plane early that morning in Singapore. Be prepared for extra waiting and security at the airport.
Since he is officially attending the APEC meeting on the 14th and 15th November its likely he will stay at one of the two official APEC hotels during the night.(read below for more information)
- Timings / Date
- When: November 14th – 15th
- Details: 10.00AM-10:30A – Summit Keynote Address
“The Role Of The United States In The Asia Pacific In The 21st Century”
By President Barack Obama of the United States of America followed by Q&A
Where Will Obama Be During His Visit?
As an interesting fact, Obama, while being on his debut Asian tour, will visit Japan, China and South Korea besides the stop over in Singapore. However, he wont visit Indonesia and Malaysia.
The APEC CEO Summit 2009 will take place at the Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre so be prepared for extreme traffic delays, and security checks in the central district during that weekend.
The two official five star hotels for the APEC meeting are the Fairmont Singapore and the Swissôtel The Stamford. I would put my bet on the later one as the rest stop for Obama.
How About Safety Concerns And Possible Threads?
As mentioned above it is no secret that South East Asia has a higher thread level for terrorist attacks then a visit of the President of the United States of America to lets say Germany.
Since suicide bombers attacked the Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott hotels in Jakarta in July, killing nine people and injuring more than 50, Singapore fears that terrorist groups might look at similar targets during the November 14-15 APEC meeting.
As a result authorities are warning of a terrorist threat.
To be prepared Singapore has pushed stricter security standards for its hotel industry in general, not only for this upcoming visit, metal detectors, iron gates, car searches, bomb-sniffing dogs and other measures are currently being considered as the absolute last line of defense.
- More About Obama In Singapore
- Earth Times (link): Article About Singapore’s Preparations For Obamas Visit
- Obama Weather (link): What Obama Recommends To Wear In Singapore
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1 Comment for this post
Nov 22, 2009 at 4:34 pm
hey just wanted you to know that for private or VVIPs we dont use chnagi airport… but the private airports and airforce ones… such as Seletar Airbase or Paya Lebar Airport… these are non-commercial. and, for the POTUS & his motorcade of entourage… usually it would be the security tight accoms at Sentosa…one being called Capella.
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